How to achieve a follow distance/offset in PCam3D Path Mode?

[Randommist]

I'm trying to figure out how to add a distance offset when using Follow Mode: Path in PCam3D, as there doesn't seem to be a built-in field for it.

The Scenario: My scene starts with a wide shot while the player is on a platform. As the player approaches a doorway/opening in the wall and walks through it, I want the camera to smoothly push in and follow the player into the opening, maintaining a distance of a few meters behind them. Finally, once inside, it cuts to a second camera from the other side.

I've attached screenshots showing the intended camera trajectory and the switch point.

The Issue: I believe Follow Mode: Path is the right tool for guiding the camera through the specific geometry of the doorway. However, the default behavior snaps the camera to the closest point on the curve relative to the player. This puts the camera right on top of the player (0 meters distance), whereas I need it to trail behind by a fixed amount (e.g., 2 meters along the curve).

Since standard Path mode snaps to the closest point, what is the best technique to achieve a "trailing" behavior along a path? Should I be calculating the path position manually via script, or is there a PCam feature I'm missing?

Thanks!

[ramokz]

Just to check I understood the camera positioning right, is it something to this effect you're looking for?

path-follow-example.mp4

[Randommist]

Not exactly, let me elaborate based on your example. In your example, when the character moves to the right or left, the camera stays in place. In my case, the camera should try to maintain a certain distance between itself and the observed object—meaning it should move closer slightly in that moment, and also turn its gaze toward the player.

I imagine this like cinematic camera rails, where the camera has a specific path (curve) it can move along while still tracking the character.

[Randommist]

I think I managed to implement this using my camera script. Here's a video demonstration of what I'd like. I think if Follow Mode: Path had an offset option, we could achieve similar behavior.

_20251231_132649.mp4

_20251231_132832.mp4

[ramokz]

I think I managed to implement this using my camera script. Here's a video demonstration of what I'd like. I think if Follow Mode: Path had an offset option, we could achieve similar behavior.

That is actually exactly what I had added in the video I posted above, so glad we had the same thought 😄
I don't have the Look At mode enabled above, which is why the camera is not pointing towards the player in my recording, but that should be the only delta between the videos from the looks of it.

Can get that merged into the project and have it ready for the next release.

[Randommist]

Great, then I'll wait for the update.

PS: Happy New Year🎄

[ramokz]

Happy New Year! 🙂 🎉

[ramokz]

Forgot to say in here, and you probably already know, so mainly for others who read the thread, the Follow Offset property for Path Follow is out in the 0.9.4.1 release.